Bidding reopened for 2027 Champions League final host

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By Martin Graham | 25th Sep 2024
UEFA has reopened the bidding process for stadiums to host the 2027 Champions League final, following the decision to withdraw Milan as the host city. The San Siro had initially been chosen as the venue for the high-profile match, but UEFA opted to move the event after Milan authorities were unable to provide assurances that planned renovation projects wouldn’t interfere with the final.

AC Milan and Inter Milan are now exploring the possibility of constructing a new stadium in the San Siro area. However, given the uncertainty surrounding these redevelopment efforts, UEFA decided to seek an alternative location. The governing body is expected to confirm the new host venue by May or June 2025.

Solidarity funding adjustments and new initiatives
At the same UEFA Executive Committee meeting where the decision on the 2027 final was made, significant changes to the organisation’s solidarity funding were also discussed. The top five European football leagues – the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga – agreed to cap their annual solidarity payments at €10 million (£8.3 million) per season until the end of the 2026-27 period.

Although this marks a €1.5 million increase compared to the previous cycle, the total pool of funds available has grown to €308 million (£256.3 million), up from €177.2 million (£147.4 million). These funds are specifically designated for clubs that are not participating in UEFA’s European tournaments. UEFA emphasized that the purpose of these funds is to promote competitive balance, as clubs outside of European competitions often miss out on additional financial resources.

UEFA also approved a new strategy for women’s football, covering the period from 2024 to 2030, though the specific details of the strategy have yet to be disclosed. This initiative aims to build on UEFA’s existing efforts to grow the women’s game across Europe.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer